Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest 22/23

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all well!

On Sunday 28th May 2023, Crystal Palace hosted Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park for the final match of the 22/23 Premier League season.

Just a day before the match Palace announced their new home kit for next season, inspired by the 2013/14 season and is to mark the club’s record 11th consecutive year in the top-flight of English football. It was worn for the first time in this match, I personally like the kit but many people I’ve spoken to are not fans although like most new kits I’m sure it will grow on them.

In the week leading up to the game Palace held their annual awards night at the Clapham Grand, to conclude the season and recognise their achievements. The winners included: Michael Olise vs Manchester United for Goal of the Season, Michael Olise’s 94th-minute winner against West Ham for Moment of the Season, Cheick Doucouré for Player of the Season, and for his hattrick of awards Michael Olise for Players’ Player of the Season. There was also a special presentation for James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic, who are departing from the club.

Palace have been safe for a few weeks, but it was in the balance if Nottingham Forest would still be fighting for their place on the final day, their 1-0 win over Arsenal secured their spot and took the pressure off. A win or draw (depending on other results) would see Palace finish 11th, their highest finish in five seasons and above Chelsea.

Roy Hodgson again made no changes following the draw away to Fulham, with Wilfried Zaha still unavailable for selection. Tayo Adaramola was renamed on the bench after being left out for most of the season.

As the players entered the pitch a two tier tifo was presented in the Holmesdale stand along with an image of Maxi Jazz who passed away in december snd a banner reading "This is our church, this is where I heal my hurts".

Crystal Palace, in their new home kit, were held to a draw against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the 22/23 Premier League season, the point secured an 11th place finish for the Eagles.

With the Palace faithful behind them Palace got off to a good start, Michael Olise called the returning Nottingham Forest keeper, Wayne Hennessy, into action early on. The young Frenchman collected the ball from a skilful touch by Ebere Eze before driving towards goal and getting past his man, but his final shot was easy to hold on to.

Nottingham Forest’s first chance came through a Serge Aurier outside the box effort almost being headed in by Willy Boly, but the ball was just too far in front of the centre back and came towards him at high speed.

On numerous occasions Palace opted for the short option on set pieces. After winning the free kick on the wing, Olise played the ball into Eze who was waiting completely unmarked on the edge of the box, his effort went just wide of the near post.

Moments later Olise and Eze were linking up again, the French winger whipped a superb ball into the box for his English teammate to meet, his shot on the turn while falling was blocked off the line by his own teammate Jordan Ayew, with the follow up from Will Hughes blazing just over the bar.

Despite having the chances, the home side weren’t able to capitalise and were ultimately punished. On the 31st minute Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White played a fantastic long ball in behind the Palace defence to Taiwo Awoniyi, the striker remained composed holding off Joachim Andersen and slotting the ball past an advancing Sam Johnstone.

The goal excited the traveling Nottingham Forest fans who were already in good sprits from securing their place in the Premier League next season.

Forest almost got an immediate second from a corner, Gibbs-White was again the creator whipping the ball in finding the head of Boly, forcing Johnstone to be reactive and punch clear, before previous goal scorer Awoniyi could pounce again at the back post.

At the other end Palace almost had a chance of their own from a set piece, Olise played the ball into the box meeting Odsonne Edouard at the back post area, his header across was just too far ahead for an in-sliding Ayew to reach seeing the Eagles go into the break behind.

Just a few days after winning Goal of The Season for his free kick against Manchester United, Olise got himself into a similar position but this time his strike went into the Holmesdale stand.

James McArthur came on for the last few minutes and received a great reception from the Palace fans for the last time – McArthur kindly gave me one of his boots when we met him after the match.

After piling on the pressure, the home side were finally able to break down the Forest defence. Olise, involved again, received the ball from Eze out on the right wing, he worked his way towards the box before whipping the ball into Hughes’ head to flick into the net, for his first Premier League goal in Palace colours.

The final 23 minutes consisted of pure dominance from Palace having multiple chances to steal the three points. Eze came close after receiving a long ball into his path, he took it perfectly in his stride with a great touch, but his shot was straight at Hennessey, either side and he would’ve probably won it for the home side.

The game and the 22/23 season concluded 1-1 with both teams sharing the points seeing Palace finish 11th in the Premier League table, one point above Chelsea!

After the final whistle the players did a lap of appreciation as well as saying goodbye to James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic. Michael Olise’s assist for Will Hughes was his 11th of the season, fourth highest in the Premier League and Palace’s top assister, what a fantastic and consistent season he’s had. Ebere Eze, another standout player, got the most goals for Palace finishing with 10. Good way to end the season and it’s crazy to think a few weeks ago we were fighting relegation yet ended up finishing 11th , our highest in five seasons, back when Roy Hodgson first joined the club, all credit goes to him and his team for the brilliant turnaround. Overall, a good season in which I attended 19 games, I’m looking forward to a bigger and better next season!

The boys will now get a well-earned break before re-joining in July for pre-season. My next match is England vs North Macedonia in mid-June up in Manchester, where Palace boys Eze, Guehi and Johnstone will be involved so look out for that post.

Thank you for reading and have a great summer!

Ellie Xx